Hundreds of people have so far visited the “Lagunas de Lo Monte," the Lo Monte Natural Park in Pilar de la Horadada since it first opened in mid February. In addition to the public visits there have been a number or organised birdwatching trips for virtually all of the Pilar de la Horadada schoolchildren.

The park, a protected artificial wetland, covers an area of 10.3 hectares between Pilar de la Horadada and Dehesa de Campoamor. The lake, which has a surface area of 80,000m2 was constructed in 1989 and is now a protected area for birds. So far 36 different species of birds have been observed in the park including the Malvasia Cabeciblanca duck which is in danger of becoming extinct.

It is located just north of the town on the site of the Cueva Fuerte and very close to the Dehesa de Campoamor on the CV941 Mil Palmeras to San Miguel road.

"For many people the park has been a new experience," said the Councillor for the Environment , Ivan Romero. “The Lagunas de Monte " is a municipal nature reserve which can now be enjoyed by local people who no longer have to make long journeys to enjoy such facilities.

There are two large lakes around which there are five observation areas allowing onlookers to enjoy the of significant wildlife within the natural space.
The Department of Environment say that they are very pleased with the results and they have already received congratulations from many groups .

They say that they are only too happy to provide guided visits to organised groups such as ornithological associations, clubs and societies, disabled associations or associations of housewives.

Those interested in enjoying the upcoming tours organized by the Department can book their free place at the Tourist Information or the Environment Department in Pilar . The guided walks are scheduled for the first Thursday and Sunday of each month. The next will be on Thursday 8th and Sunday, May 11th at 9:00. Those attending will be shown around in small groups of 12-15 people.

Last week, children from four schools in Pilar de la Horadada visited the site a day where guides provided a short introduction to ornithology course. They were then taken on a tour of the natural area where they were provided with the use of powerful ground-based telescopes and binoculars in the various observation posts by the departmental staff who also helped to identify many of the species of birds that were present in the lakes as well as explaining their behaviour and characteristics.

The park is quickly establishing itself as a tourist and educational attraction for the residents of Pilar de la Horadada and all nature lovers who want to discover and learn about the different animals and birds that live and nest in the area.

To get to the park take the CV941 Mil Palmeras to San Miguel and enter the park at the sign E.D.A.R. (Estación Depuradora de Aguas Residuales de Pilar de la Horadada). There are a number of further references available to the park including an 8 page guide, in Spanish, at www.eurotourguide.com

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